CRESTED DOMINICAN GROSSBEAK. 123 



CRESTED DOMINICAN GROSSBEAK. 



This is an elegant bird, and a very agreeable 

 songster; and when in full plumage, with his 

 fine arched crest, and the glowing crimson of his 

 head and neck, contrasted with the chaste color- 

 ing of the remainder of his plumage, has a very 

 fine appearance. They are docile, and easily 

 domesticated, and sing well in the cage. They 

 are often brought here, and are named the South 

 American Cardinal, to distinguish them from the 

 Cardinal Grossbeak. 



FOOD. A mixture of one-third hemp, and two- 

 thirds Canary seed. They are very fond of ripe 

 berries, which may be given them in summer, 

 and a few black currants in winter; occasionally 

 a bit of ripe apple. Gravel, and water to wash. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEXES. This bird is 

 about the size of the Cardinal Grossbeak. The 

 male has the head and fore part of the neck a 

 bright crimson color, on the head a long and full 

 pointed crest; the back and wings are of a dark, 

 ash color, the lower parts white, the two middle 

 feathers of the tail are a dusky red, the others the 



